By Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Jul: Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya has levelled serious allegations regarding the conduct of election officials during Uttarakhand’s ongoing panchayat elections, citing widespread procedural lapses and biased decisions. In a letter to the State Election Commissioner, Arya demanded immediate corrective measures to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Arya expressed concern that inexperienced and junior officials had been assigned critical responsibilities, resulting in decisions that lacked legal grounding. Arya noted that most panchayat candidates come from modest backgrounds and are unfamiliar with legal procedures, making it essential for election officials to provide fair and informed guidance.
He also claims that in Kashipur block of Udham Singh Nagar, the nomination of Scheduled Caste candidate Narmata was rejected due to her caste certificate being issued from her parental home, contrary to rules protecting such rights for SC women. In Rudraprayag, a candidate with dues exceeding Rs 27 lakhs was permitted to contest despite the absence of any legal stay. In Tehri’s Akhodi constituency, seven nominations were cancelled without clear justification.
Arya’s concerns have also been echoed by other Congress leaders as well. The Uttarakhand PCC has also written a letter urging the Commission to act swiftly, remove erring officials, and ensure only trained personnel handle electoral duties. The letter also demands that the Commission needs to ensure that the voters registered in more than one electoral roll be barred to cast votes or contest elections.
